Music Ministry

Rejoice, you just, in the LORD; praise from the upright is fitting. Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; on the ten-stringed lyre offer praise. Sing to God a new song; skillfully play with joyful chant. – PSALM 33:1

The role of music in integral to the celebration of each liturgy and sacrament, and all of us are called to raise our voice in song to praise our Lord. Music is first and foremost prayer, a form of prayer that dates to the earliest times in the Church. We see in Scripture that Jesus and the Apostles sang hymns at the Last Supper before Christ’s Passion. Music helps us to express and share the faith that is within us and to nourish and strengthen our interior commitment of faith.

Liturgical Choir – The main adult choir at St. Eugene, the Liturgical Choir leads and enhances the congregation’s singing at weekend masses and special liturgical celebrations. The choir season runs from Labor Day to Pentecost, usually toward the end of May. This group is open to anyone high school age through adult who can carry a tune. Music-reading skills are not required, but can be helpful. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m.

Children’s Choir – St. Eugene Children’s Choir is open to any children of the parish in grades 3 through 8, whether they attend St. Eugene School or any other school. Rehearsals will begin after Labor Day and will be held on Wednesday afternoons at 4:15 p.m. They typically sing for the First Sunday of each month, October through May, as well as for Christmas and Easter.

Cantor – These ministers lead the sung prayer of the congregation at all weekend and Holy Day masses. They also proclaim the Responsorial Psalm during the Liturgy of the Word. Cantors are scheduled on a rotating basis. They rehearse as a group on the first Thursday of each month at 8:00 p.m. (year-round) and are expected to prepare music on their own. Individual rehearsals are available to any cantors who wish to take advantage of them. This ministry is open to anyone high school age through adult. You must pass an audition with Mitchell Owens, our Director of Music & Liturgy.

Handbell Choir – This ensemble accentuates occasional weekend and Holy Day liturgies with ringing handbells, through accompanying congregational singing as well as playing solo pieces. This group is open to anyone high school age to adult. Ministers who wish to join must pass an audition, and due to the nature of the music, an intermediate level of music-reading ability is required. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings at 8:00 p.m. from Labor Day to Pentecost.

Resurrection Choir – This choir is open to anyone ages 2 to 102. There are no auditions or rehearsals, simply let us know of your interest in participating, and we will put you on the list. Generally the choir is contacted by volunteers as soon as we know when a funeral will be held.

Instrumentalist – Anyone who plays any instrument is welcome to minister at our weekend and Holy Day masses. An audition is required, and Instrumentalists need to be able to prepare the music on their own. Rehearsals would generally occur 30 minutes before the mass at which an instrumentalist will play. Flute, violin, oboe, trumpet, drums, guitar, harp, or any other instrument is most welcome.